Community leaders came together Monday night to discuss ways of beautifying those areas around theNorthside Drive and Interstate 55 interchage, plus Fondren.

"Not only unifying the neighbors in the community and businesses but working with county, the city and the highway department and everybody coming together as a unified element to make some positive change (happens) in our community," said John Dinkins, chairman of LeFleur East Foundation.

The LeFleur East Foundation said it's not just beautification of the spaces that it's looking at. The organization hopes to enhance business opportunities, stabilize nearby neighborhoods and deter crime.

"It's important that the community be a part of what we do," said Jackson Police Chief Lindsey Horton.

"To show a force of unity, to make sure everybody has the quality of life that they work for," said Hinds County Sheriff Tryone Lewis.